Experience LGBTQ-Friendly Island Hopping by Boat in Ubatuba, Brazil

Ubatuba is located in the state of São Paulo, which is noted for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture. The city of São Paulo hosts the world's largest gay pride parade, which attracts millions of visitors each year (they even hold a Guinness World Record!).

Ubatuba is equally friendly and an ideal destination for LGBTQ+ visitors looking for a tropical getaway. It is about a four hour drive from São Paulo, and there are many accommodations and restaurants in the area, as well as a city center with shops and local crafts.

Why Take an Island Tour by Boat in Ubatuba?

There are plenty of beaches in Ubatuba where you could easily spend the whole day laying in the sun, but when we visited we chose to do a day trip boat tour of some of the nearby beaches and islands for a few reasons:

1. Discovering Ubatuba's hidden gems: Ubatuba is home to many secluded coves and beaches that are only easily accessible by boat. In contrast to the large and busy beaches you'll find near the city, the beaches you visit on the boat tour are surrounded by tropical forests and many have unique features like sand colored boulders at the water's edge. The guides know all the best spots and you'll have enough time at each stop to enjoy the beach or go for a swim.

2. Enjoy a hassle-free adventure: Booking a boat tour means that you won't have to worry about transportation, itinerary planning, or navigating the region on your own. Your guide will take care of all the details, and can provide a commentary of the landmarks you pass and recommendations of what to eat or drink when you visit beaches with restaurants. One of our favorite stops was Praia da Almada where I had a passion fruit caipirinha, which is the national cocktail of Brazil made with a sugarcane spirit called cachaça and fresh lime. While there we also had a few snacks and made friends with a dog who was hoping we'd share our lunch.

3. Meeting other travelers: Joining a boat tour is a great way to meet other travelers from around the world. The boats are small catamaran style boats that seat about 10 - 15 people. Most of the people in the group we were paired with were friendly and we had the chance to chat and share travel tips for the area as well as stories from our other adventures.

How to Plan an Island Tour by Boat in Ubatuba

There are a number of boat tours that offer affordable day trips in Ubatuba. Most of them load passengers at the small beach on Ave Leovidgildo Dias Vieira downtown. There is plenty of free street parking in the area and restaurants to eat at when you arrive back in town. We took the 5 Island Tour offered by Pura Vida Trips, but there are other similar tours which can be found by a quick Google search.

The tours start in the morning and last until the late afternoon, so there are some things you should consider before arriving to ensure you enjoy the day.

1. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks: Especially in the summertime, Ubatuba gets very hot during the day and not all of the beaches have a place to buy water or food. You'll be outside in the direct sun all day and it's easy to get a sunburn even if you apply sunscreen once or twice, especially if you swim at the beaches.

2. Consider the physical abilities of you and your group: Getting on and off the boat can be difficult as you have to wade into the water and climb up a small ladder to get onto the boat. Remember that you will have to do this at each stop, and the waves can cause the boat to rock as you are embarking and disembarking.

If you are planning a trip to Brazil, don't miss out on what Ubatuba has to offer as an incredible destination for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for a tropical getaway.

The city is friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of accommodations, restaurants, and shops in the area.

While there are many beaches to choose from, taking a day trip tour of Ubatuba's beaches and their neighboring islands by boat is an immersive and affordable way to experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the area without adding the burden of planning each stop along the way.

As a bonus you'll enjoy a hassle-free adventure and have the opportunity meet other travelers from around the world. With several affordable boat tour options available, you can easily plan a day trip that suits your preferences. Just be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and snacks, and consider the physical abilities of your group.

Overall, we had an amazing time seeing some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil and felt welcomed as an LGBTQ+ couple on the boat tour in Ubatuba. We would definitely recommend this day trip to single travelers and couples alike!